Forest, Ecology and Environment Minister Ramalinga Reddy on Monday directed the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) to take immediate and stringent action against industries in the Kadechur-Badiyal industrial area of Yadgir district over reports of untreated industrial effluents being discharged into the Bhima river.

Taking serious note of the wastewater from industries in the area being discharged into the river without proper treatment, the Minister, in a release, said such practices could cause water pollution and pose serious risks to the health of people and livestock, besides adversely affecting the surrounding environment.

He said preventing the discharge of untreated industrial effluents into rivers and other water bodies was one of the key responsibilities of the KSPCB.

Mr. Reddy directed officials to immediately inspect the industries concerned in the Kadechur-Badiyal industrial area and collect samples of the wastewater being discharged by them. The samples should be tested to determine whether they meet the prescribed environmental standards, he said.

He also directed that the official responsible for the alleged lapse be suspended as per the rules and that an inquiry be conducted into the matter. Strict legal action should be initiated without delay against industries found violating pollution control norms, the Minister ordered.

Mr. Reddy also directed the authorities to submit a compliance report on the action taken and instructed the KSPCB to put in place stringent measures to prevent such incidents from recurring.